F-Secure launches a Distributed Firewall

Y3K Security Products the sole distributor for F-Secure Corporation (previously known as Data Fellows Finland) in Africa, today announced that F-Secure has introduced F-Secure Distributed Firewall, the first personal firewall designed for the enterprise. F-Secure Distributed Firewall protects mobile laptops, enterprise workstations and servers against network attacks. The product also represents an important new defence in the fight against "Distributed Denial of Service" attacks.

F-Secure Distributed Firewall solves the `always on` problem posed by the use of cable modems and DSL connections by refusing unauthorised data packets access to the corporate mobile devices. This solution keeps corporate laptops secure when users dial in to local ISP`s while travelling, and avoids the problem of an intruder gaining access to a secured connection to the corporate network. The product protects the user by automatically filtering data based on IP packet header.

According to Chris Christiansen of IDC, "As more remote employees access corporate networks through high-speed, always on, cable and DSL modem connection, security is a growing concern to IT departments. The F-Secure Distributed Firewall is well positioned to solve two major problems: protecting employee PCs from attacks and, just as importantly, enabling corporate IT departments to remotely manage employees` personal firewalls. F-Secure has a solid technological lead with security software that is transparent to the end user. By automatically installing the software, implementing centralised security policies, and taking the end user out of the equation, F-Secure potentially brings enterprise- class security to the mobile workforce."

More than a personal firewall, this product is centrally managed meaning that it can be automatically installed remotely, F-Secure Distributed Firewall also serves a very important role inside the corporate network, enhancing the traditional concept of a firewall by enabling policy-based traffic filtering at the workstations. This provides an efficient method for building internal security zones as well as easing the burden of the perimeter firewall. In addition to protection from outside attacks, F-Secure Distributed Firewall defends enterprise workstations and servers from insider attacks. According to the ASIS, the single greatest threat to corporate intellectual property is trusted insiders, current and former employees, temps, onsite contractors, consultants, partners and suppliers.

"The era of the centralised firewall is coming to an end as more and more computers are connected directly to the net," commented Risto Siilasmaa, President and CEO of F-Secure. "In addition, the traditional firewall is unable to defend against a hacker inside the company network, and F-Secure is addressing this problem by extending the zone of security to precisely where it is needed: each workstation, server and mobile device" Siilasmaa added.

Managing the distributed firewall is extremely easy, since it is based on the F-Secure policy management framework. With centralised policy-based management from a single administrator console, and full integration with other F-Secure products, F- Secure Distributed Firewall is woven into the corporate security fabric. Managing the product is actually easier than managing the central firewall. The administrator defines the security policy that, for example, denies all incoming connections to any workstation. The policy is automatically distributed and implemented throughout the entire company.

The F-Secure DFW seamlessly integrates with F-Secure VPN+ Client, F-Secure Anti-Virus and F-Secure FileCrypto to provide complete security for the mobile workforce.